Welcome to the Genome Statute and Legislation Database

Legislative session. Courtesy: Hawaii.gov

The Genome Statute and Legislation Database is comprised of state statutes and bills introduced during the 2007-2012 U.S. state legislative sessions. Searchable topics in the database include direct-to-consumer genetic testing, employment and insurance nondiscrimination, health insurance coverage, privacy, research and the use of residual newborn screening specimens.

NHGRI's Table of State Statutes Related to Genomics New provides the total number of states that have enacted legislation on the topics in the database, together with a description of each topic. (In some cases the state legislature has enacted multiple bills pertaining to one topic area. As a result, a database search may yield several statute entries for one state on a particular topic.)

Note that the database does not contain information about state regulations. Some states have developed regulations concerning genetic nondiscrimination in employment and insurance, health insurance coverage, genetic privacy, research and the use of residual newborn screening specimens. To search regulations in a particular state, visit the Cornell Legal Information Institute, click on the name of the state, and scroll down to the regulations link.

Definitions of terms such as "bill", "statute", and "regulation" are available through the Glossary of Terms.

The database does not include state genetic counselor licensing laws. For information about this topic, visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors.


Search the database:




(Performs an open-text search of the title and summary fields; a single word usually works best. Do not quotes or special characters.)

  
Search Tips
  • You may select one or more from each box; hold down your "Ctrl" key and click to select multiple.
  • Selecting all the choices inside any one box will, by default, return every record in the database.
  • The keyword search, by default, combines with all other selections and may result in too narrow a filter. If searching by keywords, it is best not to select from any other boxes at first, then progressively narrow down your result if necessary.
  • Please contact us if you have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding our database!

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Last Reviewed: January 8, 2013